Prince Carl Philip launches the ÅF Offshore Race — watch a film here

Motiv: Prince Carl Philip speaks at the start of the ÅF Offshore Race. In the background is Staffan Salén, Chairman of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club, and Jonas Wikström, CEO of ÅF. Photo: Bertil Ericson/Scanpix

The competing yachts in the ÅF Offshore Race start in Stockholm on Saturday and Sunday, sailing around Gotland via Sandhamn. The race ends in Sandhamn. In his opening speech, The Prince said: "Gotland Runt is one of the world's biggest offshore races, and it is exciting to see a new chapter in the competition's history. "The ÅF Offshore Race has now moved its starting point and the event itself to Stockholm's central waters. "I think it is particularly exciting that more people will be able to be involved in the competition, either as competitors or as spectators around Stockholm's quays. I — and many others — look forward to a new regular event in Stockholm, on both land and water." The Gotland Runt race was first held in 1937. The race previously started in Sandhamn, but started in Stockholm for the first time this year.